Job Title

Lead national policy and government relations for a high-profile peak bodyShape policy at the highest levels of government and regulationNew senior leadership role with a highly attractive remuneration packageHudson has been appointed as the exclusive search partner to appoint a Head of Policy & Government Relations for a well-known member-based peak body representing a critical, nationally significant industry.The organisation advocates for industry productivity solutions, long-term investment, competitiveness, safety and sustainability in a complex, highly regulated environment. Working closely with governments, regulators and industry leaders, it plays an active role in shaping policy and regulatory settings with national impact.This newly created role will lead the organisations public policy and government relations strategy across multiple Australian jurisdictions (and selected New Zealand interfaces), elevating its profile and impact with Ministers, senior officials, regulators and key stakeholders.The OpportunityReporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the organisations public policy and government relations strategy across multiple jurisdictions and guide a specialised, multi-location team to deliver high-quality policy, advocacy and thought leadership that shapes national and state-based decisionmaking.This role requires a leader who can confidently navigate political environments, anticipate regulatory shifts, and deliver compelling, evidencebased advocacy that resonates with senior stakeholders at a national and statebased level.Key leadership responsibilities includeSet a bold, unified policy and GR strategy aligned to longterm organisational prioritiesLead targeted advocacy campaigns that influence policy, regulatory and investment settingsBuild enduring relationships with Ministers, Shadows, senior officials, regulators and industry leadersOversee policy submissions, briefing papers, strategic analysis and public positioningRepresent the organisation in highlevel government, parliamentary and industry forumsCoach and develop an already highperforming policy and GR teamEnsure strong alignment with the CEO, Board and senior leadershipAbout YouYou bring depth of experience across government relations, public affairs and/or public policy at state or national level. Your background may include senior advisory roles in government, executive roles in the public sector, strategic roles in consulting, and/or senior corporate affairs, external relations, regulatory or strategy roles in the private sector.You will demonstrate:Proven success in government relations, public affairs or public policy at state and/or national levelExperience as a senior adviser, chief of staff, consultant, public sector executive or senior corporate affairs / regulatory leader, with exposure to Cabinet, parliamentary and/or regulatory processesA strong track record of shaping policy outcomes not just monitoring developments using evidence, strategic timing and coalitionbuildingThe ability to distil complex issues into clear, persuasive messages for senior decisionmakersDemonstrated capability to lead and develop a specialist team in a stakeholderrich environmentTertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, economics, law, commerce, communications or a related field are highly desirable but not essentialExperience working with complex, regulated or capitalintensive sectors, and established networks in the Australian political landscape, will be highly regarded but are not mandatory.Why This Role?Set the direction for a significant policy and advocacy agendaDirectly shape conversations at State and Commonwealth levelsLead a team with the capability and appetite to deliver impactWork closely with a committed CEO and BoardOperate in a role with visibility, influence, and strategic autonomyFor a policy leader ready to step into a broader mandate, this is a rare platform for meaningful, systemlevel impact.The role is based in Canberra with hybrid flexibility and includes occasional travel within Australia and to New Zealand.Confidential Enquiries: For a confidential conversation or to request the full information pack, please contact -Leeann Soden, National Practice Director Hudson.Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at HudsonHudson is committed to helping you find a workplace where you feel respected, supported, and free to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiencesbecause when different voices come together, amazing things happen.Casual LoadingPlease note for all Australian based contract and temporary roles only, the pay rate is inclusive of mandatory 25% casual loading. This excludes permanent and fixed term roles. #J-18808-Ljbffr